Highland Council staff worried about job security

Council staff feel anxious about their job security because of planned cuts in public sector funding and their employer's efforts to make savings.

The results of a survey of Highland Council workers suggests an increasing number were worried about the future of their position at the local authority.

A report to councillors shows confidence in job security has fallen since 2005.

The survey is the fifth to be carried out among Highland's workforce.

Since 2005, the proportion of survey respondents satisfied that their post was safe has fallen from 70% to 54% this year.

The latest survey also suggests a rise in stress about jobs.

Council officers who put together the report said the prospect of cuts in public spending were the likely causes of increased anxiety.

Highland Council is seeking to save millions of pounds across all its services and departments.

Officials have produced a draft list of buildings and services that the public has been asked to consider as part of efforts to save about £36m.

Scottish economists have also forecast £1bn of cuts in the Holyrood budget from the next spending round as the UK Treasury seeks to make massive savings in public sector spending.

The survey results will be presented to Highland Council's resources committee.